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More on the Lexus Engine Recall

Lexus USA will be formally submitting their recall of approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles next week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall will apply to certain 2006, 2007 & 2008 GS, IS, and LS models equipped with 4.6 and 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines. Here’s the full breakdown: GS 350: 2007-2008 GS …

Kevin · July 2nd, 2010

Lexus Confirms Engine Recall

Toyota has announced that there will be a recall on 270,000 Lexus (and one model Toyota) worldwide — from The New York Times: Toyota will recall a total of 90,000 Lexus and Crown sedans in Japan, and is “making preparations to take similar, appropriate actions” for 180,000 more cars that carry the same engine worldwide, …

Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Lexus June 2010 Sales Report

USA USA June sales are in — here’s a full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 3,366 3,918 -14.1 22,009 20,363 8.8 HS 603 0 N/A 6,492 0 N/A LS 739 806 -8.3 5,650 4,857 17.1 SC 39 82 -52.4 186 485 -61.4 GS 539 …

Kevin · July 1st, 2010

Autoblog Rides in the Lexus CT 200h Too

Autoblog was also in attendance at last week’s small media preview of the Lexus CT 200h, and had this to say about their time in the passenger seat: Riding along suburban roads near the TME facility, the CT 200h – even in prototype guise – is suitably Lexus-like in its build quality and refinement, yet …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

Lexus LFA Configuration Kit

Flickr user itzjere (aka Jeremy) had the enviable task of configuring a Lexus LFA for his boss, and posted some pictures of the process (click for larger images): This LFA configuration kit shows an amazing attention to detail, and looks to be an excellent way to choose a car color combo. I asked Jeremy a …

Kevin · June 29th, 2010

Lexus Family Safety Camp

Lexus recently held an event in California for parents to learn more about Lexus safety and get a chance to experience the different first-hand: Hardly something to get the enthusiast blood going, but important nonetheless. From the video, you can see everything was explained in plain english, with almost no technical talk, making for an …

Kevin · June 29th, 2010

Lexus HS 250h Recalled Over Crash Test Fuel Leak

Lexus has issued a recall and stop sale on the HS 250h after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that too much gasoline leaks in a rear-impact test. The recall, which will affect 17,000 vehicles in the USA, is a result of a test that involves striking the vehicle with a deformable barrier from …

Kevin · June 25th, 2010

Lexus & the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

Old news now, but last week Lexus placed fourth in the 2010 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), coming in just one PP100 behind Mercedes and two PP100 under Acura. In light of some recent quality issues, this result stands as quite an accomplishment for Lexus — even more …

Kevin · June 21st, 2010

Lexus ES 350 with Black & Saddle Tan Interior

Dan Spanu over at Lindsay Lexus sent me a tip about the new Lexus 350 Black with Saddle Tan interior color option — first off, here’s the official shot from the Lexus USA website: What these images don’t really show is just how similar this ES interior is to the new LS Sport interior color …

Kevin · June 15th, 2010

Lexus Dark Ride VIP Card Giveaway

As part of their Dark Ride campaign for the CT 200h, Lexus USA is issuing special VIP cards that bring some very exclusive benefits — including fast-track entry to clubs, free cocktails, & limited edition items. Here’s just a small sample of the perks: 20% off best available rates at notable boutique hotels such as …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Reader Review: Lexus LS 460 Sport

TLE reader Heimdall222 has put 1,800 miles on his brand new 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport — here are his impressions of the sport-infused flagship sedan. The 2010 LS 460 Sport is my second Lexus, following a GS 350, and I’ve also owned several Infinitis. The basic Sport Package is, of course, what converts a …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes of the Lexus LFA Commercial

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the recent Lexus LFA commercial: A pretty amazing setup, all round — bringing in a renowned physicist to help determine the necessary frequency, having Scott Pruett there to pilot the LFA, it’s all very sophisticated. There have been some questions about the meaning behind the commercial — …

Kevin · June 6th, 2010

Lexus Performance Registry Now on Lexus USA Website

After our week and a half preview here at The Lexus Enthusiast, Lexus has launched the Performance Registry on their website as part of a larger Inside F performance section. Inside F, as you would imagine, is dedicated to the Lexus’ growing performance lineup, with information on the LFA, IS F, LS Sport, and all …

Kevin · June 4th, 2010

Lexus LFA Still Available in USA

Despite reports to the contrary, Lexus USA has told Edmunds that there are still LFAs available in the USA: In response to a query Thursday from [Edmunds Inside Line], Toyota said: “As a result of additional allocation being dedicated to the U.S. market, some production spots still remain for the LF-A supercar’s 500-unit global build. …

Kevin · June 3rd, 2010

Lexus May 2010 Sales Report

USA USA May sales are in — here’s a full model-by-model breakdown: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 5,115 4,125 24.0 18,643 16,445 14.3 HS 1,360 0 N/A 5,889 0 N/A LS 944 830 13.7 4,911 4,051 22.2 SC 34 93 -63.4 147 403 -63.2 GS 771 …

Kevin · June 2nd, 2010

Lexus LFA Commercial

Lexus USA has just put out a commercial for the Lexus LFA: It’s a nice play on the one of the inaugural LS 400 commercials (and was revisited during the LS 460 launch), and will be part of a wider campaign promoting the halo supercar. The NY Times has more details: The online elements, scheduled …

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration

Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …

Kevin · May 27th, 2010

2010 Lexus RX Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2010 Lexus RX its TOP SAFETY PICK award. This designation recognizes the RX for earning the highest possible rating for front, side, rollover, and rear crash protection, along with being equipped with electronic stability control, which is standard. Read the IIHS Annoucement

Kevin · May 25th, 2010

Lexus Performance Registry

Major news today! Next month, Lexus USA will be launching a worldwide Performance Registry on their website — but it’s been opened early for Lexus Enthusiast readers! The registry will be an online resource that will let enthusiasts share information on their Lexus vehicles and connect with other owners — making it easy to tap …

Kevin · May 24th, 2010

LA Times Reports on 4th Generation ES Transmission Issues, Lexus Responds

This weekend, the LA Times published another chapter in their long-running battle against Toyota & Lexus, this time asserting that the transmission issues experienced by some 2002-2006 Lexus ES owners was indicative of a bigger problem: The documents show that Toyota repeatedly tried to solve the lurching problem by modifying the car’s computer software. But …

Kevin · May 24th, 2010

Lexus LS Recall FAQ

Lexus has officially issued a recall on late 2009 & certain 2010 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. This recall affects the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h, and LS 600hL, but no other Lexus models. All owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail when the …

Kevin · May 23rd, 2010

Road & Track Lexus LFA Video

Seems like a day can’t go by without posting a Lexus LFA video — today, it’s a feature from Road & Track: The LFA was a laserbeam through that slalom course!

Kevin · May 21st, 2010

Lexus LFA Desktop Wallpapers

During my trip to the Lexus F-Sport event in New Jersey, I took over 600 photos — including 350 of the LFA alone — so I thought I would share my favorite three images as desktop wallpapers: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 …

Kevin · May 20th, 2010

Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue

Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan. No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …

Kevin · May 19th, 2010

Driving the Lexus LFA

Picture the most intense, heart-pounding roller-coaster ride of your life, only instead of rails and a cart, you’re strapped into a prototype supercar driven by a race car driver. That was the scene two weeks ago at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, where I found myself in the passenger seat of Lexus USA’s (formerly matte …

Kevin · May 17th, 2010

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus GX 460 vs. Mercedes GL 450 vs. Land Rover LR4

Motor Trend has a new luxury off-road comparison featuring the Lexus GX 460 against the Land Rover LR4 and Mercedes GL 450: The GX ends up finishing second behind the LR4, and was well-received by the Motor Trend writers, especially in terms of value — however, they deducted points for its low tow rating (6,500lbs) …

Kevin · May 17th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Interactive Movie

The Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive movie has launched today, and it’s super fun — before I give too much away, make sure to go and experience it for yourself: Here’s the trailer, just to jog your memory: You never know with this sort of thing, but the Dark Ride is total quality, with …

Kevin · May 14th, 2010

Lexus Straight Talk about Safety

Lexus Magazine has an interview with Charles Hubbard & Paul Williamsen of Lexus College, the company’s technical training center, about the various safety systems that Lexus uses in their vehicles. It’s just a quick overview, but I thought this question says it all: LEXUS: First of all, we can’t have a discussion about safety without …

Kevin · May 13th, 2010

Consumer Reports Tests Lexus GX 460 Update

Consumer Reports have performed a test of the Lexus GX 460 software update: The magazine also posted a final comment on the safety issue they discovered, which ultimately led to current Lexus GX 460 recall: That’s what happened with the GX 460. The problem with the vehicle’s emergency handling capabilities was discovered by our auto …

Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus USA F-Sport Promotion in June

Lexus USA has announced there will be a special F-Sport promotion during the month of June — three new option levels have been made available on the IS, IS-C, & GS 350(RWD only): The F-Sport suspension kit will be offered for $1,450, a savings of $549, and will include lowering springs and rear chassis member …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Official U.S. Pricing

Lexus USA has announced the pricing of the limited-edition LFA Nürburgring package, along with the collection of perks that owners can expect: This limited edition LFA will be available in four exterior colors – whitest white, orange, black and matte black complemented by a choice of three interior colors – black, red, and violet. All …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Motor Trend Comparison: Lexus LFA vs. Nissan GT-R

Motor Trend has unleashed an absolutely epic comparison test pitting the Lexus LFA against the Nissan GT-R — some choice quotes: Subsequent testing proves the LFA to be dynamically superior to the GT-R in nearly every category. Any doubts that the Lexus is anything but a legitimate supercar are absolutely gutted on the test tarmac. …

Kevin · May 10th, 2010

Consumer Reports Removes Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has lifted its Don’t Buy: Safety Risk rating on the Lexus GX 460 after testing the stability control software update — from the press release: CR contacted the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle and made an appointment to have the recall work performed. The work took about an …

Kevin · May 7th, 2010

Lexus April 2010 Sales Report

USA The April sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 4,396 3,549 23.9 13,528 12,320 10.9 HS 1,076 0 N/A 4,529 0 N/A LS 1,182 765 54.5 3,967 3,221 24.4 SC 32 83 -61.4 113 310 -63.2 GS 514 468 9.8 …

Kevin · May 3rd, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event Today in New Jersey

Just a reminder that the Lexus F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motorsports Park is happening today—there’s still time to book a spot, but not for much longer. As mentioned last week, I will be at the event all day—in fact, I was at the track today as part of a early preview, where I …

Kevin · April 28th, 2010

Lexus New Jersey F-Sport Event Next Week

A couple weeks back, Lexus USA announced an April 29th F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motor Park, and today, I’m happy to say I will be attending. I didn’t want to miss my chance at a hot-lap in the LFA with Scott Pruett, so I’ll be making the eight-hour drive down to New Jersey …

Kevin · April 21st, 2010

Lexus GX 460 Recall Announced

In response to last week’s Consumer Reports warning of the GX 460’s handling during a high-speed test, today Lexus announced a voluntary recall of all 9,400 2010 model year GX 460s sold to date. These models will receive a software update to the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. Quoting from the press release: The VSC …

Kevin · April 19th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus ES 350

Automobile Magazine has published an editor’s review of the entry-luxury Lexus sedan, the ES 350. As in their prior LS 460 L review, four editors provided their take on the best-selling sedan. The key emphasis was on the ES 350’s concept of effortless luxury, as described by senior online editor Phil Floraday: If you’re just …

Kevin · April 16th, 2010

More on Lexus Visit to the Consumer Reports Test Track

The Wall Street Journal has followed up on Toyota’s visit to the Consumer Reports test track: …engineers went to Consumer Reports testing track in Connecticut to try to see what the magazine’s auto engineers had found. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, canceling the opportunity for testing. In addition, the Consumer Reports tester informed the …

Kevin · April 14th, 2010

Autoblog Analyzes GX 460 Consumer Reports Test

Autoblog resident car engineering writer, Sam Abuelsamid, has posted an analysis of the Lexus GX 460 and the recent Consumer Reports test which led to a warning and the current sales stoppage. Of two emergency handling tests the GX 460 was subjected to, it passed the first, which was a double lane change to evaluate …

Kevin · April 14th, 2010

Lexus USA & Canada Temporarily Halt GX 460 Sales

Both Lexus USA & Lexus Canada have issued a sales stoppage on the new GX 460 until the stability problem discovered by Consumer Reports is resolved—here is the full press statement from Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager: “For more than 20 years, Lexus has made customer safety and satisfaction our highest …

Kevin · April 13th, 2010

Consumer Reports Issues 2010 Lexus GX 460 Safety Warning

Consumer Reports has issued a safety warning on the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after standard testing revealed the SUV’s electronic stability control struggled to keep the vehicle from sliding during high speed cornering—this video illustrates the consumer magazine’s findings: Here’s details on the test and the potential safety risk: In the test, as the vehicle …

Kevin · April 13th, 2010

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Photos from Auto Guide

Auto Guide has posted up some photos of the Lexus IS 350C F-Sport special edition announced last month, which means we can get a good look at the new grille & wheels: My guesses were fifty-fifty—the wheel design is the same one from the TRD IS-C from SEMA, but the grille isn’t a direct pull …

Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Lexus F-Sport Event at New Jersey Motorsports Park

Lexus will be hosting an F-Sport event at the New Jersey Motorsports Park on April 29th—if you’re in the area, here’s your chance to drive the IS F and F-Sport-equipped GS & IS models, and even better, all attendees will have a chance to win a hot-lap in the LFA! Attendance is limited—be sure to …

Kevin · April 5th, 2010

Making of Lexus IS “Hangar” Commercial

A unique behind-the-scenes video of the making of a new Lexus IS commercial for Lexus Canada has surfaced: The commercial features multiple Lexus IS models, and was shot in Miami, FL. The video goes into detail about the background and the effort involved, days of shooting, to produce the IS ad, along with some outtakes …

Kevin · April 5th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Video from NY Auto Show

Here’s a

Kevin · April 2nd, 2010

Lexus GX 460: The Rushers

The Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride trailer reminded me of The Rushers, the short movie used to advertise the new GX 460. The video featured singer Ryan Leslie, and while I did post up the trailer, I never did link to the full movie—here it is: Looks like The Rushers is a cross between Wanted …

Kevin · April 2nd, 2010

Lexus March 2010 Sales Report

USA The March sales numbers for Lexus USA are in: MONTH Year to Date (*DSR) 2010 2009 % CHG* 2010 2009 % CHG* ES 3,860 3,225 15.1 9,132 8,771 5.5 HS 1,494 0 N/A 3,453 0 N/A LS 894 852 0.9 2,785 2,456 14.9 SC 30 78 -63.0 81 227 -63.8 GS 645 625 -0.8 …

Kevin · April 1st, 2010

Photos from the Lexus Exhibit at the New York Auto Show

TLE friend and Consumer Reports contributor Davis Adams was nice enough to send over some photos of the overall Lexus exhibit at the New York Auto Show: From the Lexus press release describing the exhibit: This year, the exhibit has a modern and stylish feel, with a three-sided marquee emblazoned with Lexus and a sophisticated …

Kevin · April 1st, 2010

Details of the Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride

A piece in the New York Times offers up details about the CT 200h Dark Ride film, produced by MDC Partners-owned firm Skinny, and its marketing philosophy: Suffice it to say the “Dark Ride” driving scenes are so crazy and intense that the trailer begins with a disclaimer that it is “based on fantasy, not …

Kevin · April 1st, 2010

Lexus Climate Change Debate Recap

Yesterday, the Lexus-sponsored Darker Side of Green debate was held at the Skylight West in New York City, just as the press preview for the New York Auto Show was beginning. Numerous celebrities were in attendance, including Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Zach Braff, Tyson Beckord, and Emmy Rossum, along with other interested New …

Kevin · March 31st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Trailer

In early March, Lexus USA teased the CT 200h launch announcement with a promised Dark Ride, an “upcoming movie experience that allows you to virtually drive the all-new CT 200h”, and now here’s a new trailer: There’s also a new dedicated mini-site, the Darker Side of Green, which teases, “Be the navigator. Bring the CT …

Kevin · March 30th, 2010

Lexus LFA Real-World Performance Figures

Since the production Lexus LFA’s introduction last year, the only concrete performance figures we’ve had to go on were the official numbers from Lexus—but that’s all changed now that Car & Driver had a chance to perform some speed tests with the supercar at the Nissan Technical Center in Arizona: At the moment, there’s no …

Kevin · March 29th, 2010

Four Wheeler Lexus GX 460 First Drive

Having named it their Four Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004, Four Wheeler magazine has been a longtime fan of the original Lexus GX, so with the introduction of the GX 460, the magazine’s reviewers were naturally eager to put the next generation model to the test and see if it could live …

Kevin · March 28th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460L

Providing views of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 L from several perspectives, Automobile Magazine has published an editors’ review of the Lexus flagship. Four editors, ranging from online to senior positions, provide their opinions—to begin, web producer Evan McCausland described the new AWD model’s snow handling prowess: Given the LS has always been the ultimate …

Kevin · March 25th, 2010

Lexus LFA to Attend Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance

The second annual Marin Sonoma Concours d’Elegance will be held this May 16, 2010, and it has been reported that the production Lexus LFA will be making its appearance there. Event announcements state that the vehicle is the “only one in the U.S.”, with the event held that Sunday from 9AM to 4PM at the …

Kevin · March 24th, 2010

Sarah Silverman to Host Lexus Climate Change Debate

Sarah Silverman will be moderating a Lexus-sponsored The Darker Side of Green hybrid debate on March 30th at the New York Auto Show. The debate will be between hybrid skeptic Phelim McAleer and renewable energy advocate Amanda Little, and will be part of the Lexus CT 200h’s North American debut at the autoshow. Check Ecorazzi …

Kevin · March 24th, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Details

The Lexus CT 200h will have its North American debut at next week’s NY Auto Show, and to promote the fact, Lexus issued a press release that highlights some interesting information: The CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2010

Lexus J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Results

J.D. Power and Associates has released the results of its annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for 2010. In the study, Lexus took third position in a tie with Buick, earning an average score of 115 problems per 100 vehicles. Just ahead was Lincoln (114), moving up from seventh last year, and taking the lead was …

Kevin · March 18th, 2010

Lexus LX 570 Wins San Felipe 250 Race

Continuing his success at off-road race events, LX 570 owner Joe Bacal has scored another victory in Mexico this past weekend at the 24th Annual MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, where he won the Stock Full class. Here’s a description of how the LX 570 performed: As with all of the races Bacal …

Kevin · March 17th, 2010

Lexus LFA to be offered in Nürburgring Track Edition

Japanese weblog レクサスとの道[LEXUS] is reporting that the Lexus LFA will be available in a track edition optimized for circuit driving: If Google’s translation serves, this Nürburgring edition looks to include a fixed rear wing, larger front spoiler, sports tuned suspension, high grip tires and a boost of 10 horsepower—and will only be available in four …

Kevin · March 14th, 2010

Lexus: The Pursuit Continues…

A new Lexus commercial today—this one with a focus on quality and a return to the classic “Pursuit of Perfection” tagline: This commercial leads to a new section on the Lexus USA website devoted to quality control & safety, and includes videos of the RX 350 manufacturing process at the Cambridge Ontario plant and how …

Kevin · March 10th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h US Launch Confirmed

In a Wards Auto article (subscriber only), Lexus USA has confirmed that the CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. “sometime between early and mid 2011.” It will become the second dedicated hybrid model in the US, after the HS 250h. According to Mark Templin, VP of Lexus USA, “When the all-new Lexus …

Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Special Edition Heading to USA

A Lexus IS 350C F-Sport special edition is on its way to the USA later this month, and will feature the following upgrades over the standard IS 350C: Newly designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a wheel lock set and Michelin Pilot Sport 225/35ZR19 tires in the front and 255/35ZR19 tires in the rear Front …

Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h now on Lexus USA Website

Lexus USA has added official press photos and information to a new CT 200h page on its website: Billed as “the darker side of green,” the CT 200h sportback will be heading to the US market once it becomes available—the site also shows different angle views of the white CT 200h, with the rear 3/4 …

Kevin · March 8th, 2010

More Lexus SC 600h Rumors

Included as part of Motor Trend‘s Lexus GS-F rumor coverage was this Holiday Auto Magazine rendering of a possible look for the next generation SC: This sketch manages borrows all the right elements from the existing lineup and puts together with some real potential, and the windshield-to-IS-F-air-vents is just brilliant, but I can’t imagine for …

Kevin · March 5th, 2010

Lexus Hybrids Commercial: Milestones

Lexus heralds its expanded hybrid lineup with this commercial featuring a synchronized display of the Lexus hybrid models: The 5.5 billion mile figure quoted in the video is based on an average of 10,000 miles per year, which is less than the typical figure used in the U.S. It’s also worth noting that the luxury …

Kevin · March 4th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Price Guessing Game

The New York Times (and many other outlets) is reporting that the Lexus CT 200h will start with a €21,000 when it goes on sale in Europe next year. The natural question turns to how that translates into the North American price—a direct, euro-to-dollar conversion would currently mean a starting MSRP of $28,755 USD, putting …

Kevin · March 4th, 2010

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